DARWIN, AUSTRALIA - JUNE 09: Jarryd Hayne of the Eels celebrates scoring a try during the round 14 NRL match between the Parramatta Eels and the North Queensland Cowboys at TIO Stadium on June 9, 2018 in Darwin, Australia. (Photo by Jason McCawley/Getty Images)
  1. Kalyn Ponga (Newcastle Knights)

Was as brilliant as ever with ball in hand. Scored a try and kicked four goals in a nail biting contest against the Sydney Roosters in which he also showed he has a strong kicking game hiding up his sleeve.

  1. David Fusitu’a (New Zealand Warriors)

The best finisher in the competition snagged a hattrick and set up a fourth in the Warriors' ninth win of the season.

  1. Jarryd Hayne (Parramatta Eels)

The Hayne Plane reached heights he hasn’t in years; was dangerous every time he touched the footy, scoring two tries and breaking five tackles.

  1. Euan Aitken (St. George Illawarra Dragons)  

Had a point to prove after missing out on State of Origin selection for New South Wales last fortnight. Was strong in both attack in defence, scoring a try and completing 16 tackles.

  1. Blake Ferguson (Sydney Roosters)

Was rocks and diamonds in a strange showing where he bagged a double and tackled his own teammate. Still played well enough to earn a spot in this week’s team list.

  1. Cameron Munster (Melbourne Storm)

After a less than impressive showing for Queensland on Wednesday night, Munster backed up for his best game of the season. Scored a try, set up another and recorded 25 tackles.

  1. Shaun Johnson (New Zealand Warriors)

Returned from injury and didn’t miss a step. Scored a try, set up two others, kicked five goals and not afraid to run the ball; ran for 120 metres.

  1. Ryan James (Gold Coast Titans)

The towering front rower who was sensationally called upon by Brad Fittler to debut for the Blues in State of Origin Game I before being dropped a day later after a strong game from incumbent forward David Klemmer, Ryan James was another player this weekend who had a point to prove and did so in tremendous fashion. Scored two tries, ran for 165 metres and completed 46 tackles.

  1. Cameron Smith (Melbourne Storm)

Proved why he’s a future immortal of the game and has at least another season left in him after 2018. Had a strong influence on the game from the get go, was creative in all facets of the game. Recorded 50 tackles and 250 kick metres.

  1. Martin Taupau (Manly Warringah-Sea Eagles)

Earns a place in our team of the week for the (actually I’ve lost count…) umpteenth time this season. Continues to bend back opposition defensive lines, breaking 11 tackles and running for close to 200 metres with ball in hand.

  1. Felise Kaufusi (Melbourne Storm)

Another player who had a less than impressive showing for Queensland but backed up in fine fashion for his club. Was amongst the try scorers for Melbourne in their 16-point victory over arch rivals, Brisbane.

  1. Tohu Harris (New Zealand Warriors)

Continues to shine in an impressive season for the former Melbourne forward. Scored a try, ran for 153 metres and recorded over 40 tackles.

  1. Paul Gallen (Cronulla Sharks)

Had his best game of the season and was quite possibly the player of the round. Scored a try, set up another, ran for 200 metres and made 43 tackles.

  1. Tariq Sims (St. George Illawarra Dragons)
  2. Valentine Holmes (Cronulla Sharks)
  3. Nathan Cleary (Penrith Panthers)
  4. Josh Papalii (Canberra Raiders)

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